Chromosome analysis in the Kruger National Park: the chromosomes of the bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus)

Chromosome studies in the male and female bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus) are discribed. The male has a diploid chromosome number of one fewer than the female, and the Y-to-autosome fusion. The configuration of a quadrivalent observed in meiotic preparations from the male confirmed the presence of a fusion between a Y chromosome and an autosome. All other members of the tragelaphine tribe so far studied chromosomally show the presence of a Y-to-autosome fusion. It is postulated that the fusion observed in all present-day species of the tribe studied to date arose as a single event in a common ancestor.